DARDANELLE — June has brought another migratory season to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge. Manager Durwin Carter is leaving to work in the regional office of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services in Atlanta after a four-year tenure at Holla Bend.

Carter dedicated his time at the refuge to providing educational programs for residents, children and outdoor enthusiasts about the many opportunities and conservation efforts offered at Holla Bend.

“He has been a lot of help and encouragement,” former Yell County Wildlife Federation president Wayne Shewmake said. “He is to be commended for his effort and hard work to get it (Holla Bend) back to where it needs to be.”

Shewmake said unlike previous managers who moved to the Arkansas River Valley, Carter took initiative to make good things happen at the refuge.

In the late spring, many residents, including several Boy Scout troops, enjoyed the wildlife first-hand on evening hayrides through the park. The nighttime tours included the spotting of snakes, owls, birds, deer and other nocturnal animals.

Carter has partnered closely with Arkansas Tech University and local high schools to employ youth workers interested in gaining wildlife refuge work experience.

In 2011 he took an active leadership role and helped organize a new Friends of Holla Bend NWR local group partnership which provided advocacy for generating public involvement and fundraising. Carter was awarded the 2011 Conservationist of the Year by the Yell County Wildlife Federation during the club’s 48th annual Quail Banquet in March of 2012.

Bow Jam, an event created to introduce children to archery and the refuge, solidified the partnership between the refuge and Friends of Holla Bend NWR.

Carter and his staff enlisted the help of friends to create the first Bow Jam in September of 2010 to further the efforts of conservation among younger children and families. The event offered flint napping, safety, information and hands-on activities about wildlife and archery.

About 35 children ages 5-15 participated the first September and the number more than doubled to 75 in 2011. Carter expects the number to grow this year, in part because of the word of mouth and the popularity of archery in movies such as “The Hunger Games” and “Brave,” a new Disney movie.

Perhaps one of the more unique programs Carter supported while at Holla Bend is the trumpeter swan project.

The joint experiment involves Iowa’s Department of Natural Resources, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, The Trumpeter Swan Society, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service efforts to re-establish a migrating population of trumpeter swans which fly south from Iowa during the winter. The three-year program was a success, with many swans returning the following years.

Carla Mitchell, Assistant manager at Holla Bend, said Carter’s passion combined with his willingness to become more involved in the community were a great asset to the refuge. He focused a great deal of his time and energy raising awareness for Holla Bend in the community.

“In my opinion he did a great job,” Mitchell said. “His energy and enthusiasm will be greatly missed.”

Mitchell, said working with Carter has been a great experience and although, he will be greatly missed, she is glad for him and this opportunity.

Carter himself is more comfortable in his role of nature lover and conservation advocate than award winner or speech giver. He acknowledged his staff and community support as the reason he achieved success at Holla Bend.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the River Valley and at Holla Bend.” Carter said. “And not just at the refuge, but in Russellville and Dardanelle as well. The people are just outstanding and their support of the refuge and welcoming my family into the community have been amazing. I feel bittersweet leaving this area.”